If you’re thinking about starting your own maintenance or handyman business, you’re on the right track. Maintenance businesses are always in high demand, and with a little hard work and some planning, you can make your business a success. Here are a few tips to help get you started. First, be sure to target your market carefully. Identify who needs your services and figure out how to reach them. You’ll also need to have a strong branding strategy in place so that potential customers know what sets you apart from the competition. And finally, don’t forget to invest in good marketing materials that highlight your services and attract attention. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start building your own successful maintenance business!
Learn property maintenance industry
The market for property upkeep is exploding. In 2012, the outsourced services industry was worth $143.1 billion in the United States, according to Statista. The market was predicted to rise to a $176.5 billion market in 2017 and would continue growing until at least 2022, according to forecasts at the time.
The housekeeping industry encompasses a wide range of employment. Residential maintenance work is one of the most significant revenue-generating tasks in the field. The average cost to maintain a home in 2018 was $3,067 per year. Portland, OR, and Fort Lauderdale, FL had the highest and lowest expenditures, respectively.
Non-residential property maintenance services are also in high demand. In 2012, these goods made up 55% of the overall industry income. Residential property maintenance income has most likely exceeded this figure, but nonresidential services continue to propel the market forward.
If you’re starting a business that provides property maintenance services, there are a few things you need to know about the industry. This includes understanding the different types of services that are commonly provided, the equipment and tools that are typically used, and the target market for this type of business.
When it comes to providing property maintenance services, there are two main types of businesses: those that focus on residential properties and those that focus on commercial properties. There are also businesses that provide both types of services.
The most common type of property maintenance service is lawn care. This can involve anything from mowing the lawn to trimming hedges and trees. Other common services include power washing, painting, and repairs.
To provide these services, businesses will need to invest in some basic equipment, such as lawnmowers, trimmers, and power washers. They may also need to purchase insurance to protect themselves from liability.
The target market for a property maintenance business is typically homeowners or businesses. Homeowners are often looking for someone to help them with yard work or minor repairs around the house. Businesses, on the other hand, may need someone to maintain their landscaping or handle any repair needs they have.
Choose the scope of your business
To get started in the maintenance business, you’ll first need to decide on the scope of your services. Will you be providing general maintenance and repairs, or will you specialize in a particular area like HVAC or electrical work? Consider your skill set and experience when making this decision.
Once you’ve decided on the scope of your business, you’ll need to create a business plan. This will help you map out the steps you’ll need to take to get your business up and running. Be sure to include information on your target market, pricing, and how you’ll promote your services.
Create a home maintenance business plan
If you’re thinking of starting your own home maintenance business, then you’ll need to create a solid business plan. This document will outline your business goals, strategies, and how you plan on achieving them. It’s important to have a detailed property maintenance business plan when starting any new business, as it will help keep you on track and ensure that your business is successful.
When creating your home maintenance business plan, there are a few key points to keep in mind:
1. Define your business goals and objectives. What do you want to achieve with your business? What are your long-term and short-term goals? Having a clear understanding of your goals will help you create a more focused and effective business plan.
2. Research your industry and target market. It’s important to have a good understanding of the home maintenance industry and who your target market is. This information will help you create marketing strategies that are more likely to be successful.
3. Create a detailed marketing plan. Once you know who your target market is, you can start creating a marketing plan that will reach them. Be sure to include both online and offline marketing techniques in your plan.
4. Develop a pricing strategy. Knowing how much to charge for your services is crucial to your success. Be sure to research your competition and develop a pricing strategy that will allow you to be competitive while still making a profit.
5. Create a financial plan. In order to make your home maintenance business successful, you’ll need to have a solid financial plan in place. This plan should include your start-up costs, operating expenses, and how you plan on generating revenue.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Property Maintenance Business?
Starting a property maintenance business comes with a range of initial expenses – from setting up your company legally to investing in tools, software, and marketing. On average, startup costs can begin at around $1,500 and increase into the several-thousand-dollar range, depending on whether you hire staff, seek legal support, or invest heavily in promotion. If you’re researching how to start a property maintenance company, here’s a clear breakdown of the main cost categories to expect.
Business Registration and Licensing
Registering a business in the U.S. is relatively affordable. According to the Small Business Administration, basic registration typically costs under $300, though fees vary by state and by business structure, such as an LLC or corporation.
Many states also require licensing for professionals managing or maintaining properties. When licensing is needed, total costs – including coursework, exams, background checks, and application fees – usually fall between $400 and $1,000, depending on local regulations.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance is a must when starting a maintenance company, as it protects both your business and your clients. Monthly insurance expenses depend on your location, coverage limits, and risk profile. On average, policies such as general liability, errors and omissions (E&O), workers’ compensation, and cyber insurance range from $40 to $145 per month.
Software and Equipment
Property and maintenance management software can significantly streamline scheduling, invoicing, and customer communication. Monthly software subscriptions typically start at $10 and can exceed $250, depending on features, number of properties or clients, and customization needs.
You’ll also need to plan for basic office expenses. Renting an office depends on local real estate prices, but many new businesses operate remotely. In that case, a virtual business address can cost up to $79 per month, offering a professional presence without physical office overhead.
Legal Expenses
Legal support is often necessary when launching and running a property maintenance business. Common legal costs include drafting service agreements, reviewing contracts, preparing employment documents, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
You can work with a local attorney or use online legal services. Comprehensive legal packages typically range from $300 to $1,399, depending on the documents and support you require.
Staffing Costs
If you plan to grow your business with employees, staffing expenses can add up quickly. Typical hiring-related costs include:
Recruiting and job advertising: about $4,129 per employee
Salaries: vary by role and region
Employee benefits: approximately $11.42 per hour
Payroll taxes: employers usually cover 7.65% per pay period at the federal level, with additional state taxes depending on location
Workers’ compensation insurance: around $45 per month
Marketing and Promotion
Marketing is essential for visibility and lead generation, especially in competitive local markets. Real estate and maintenance-related businesses typically allocate around 10% of their total budget to marketing efforts such as SEO, content creation, paid ads, and email campaigns.
Many companies set marketing spend as a percentage of revenue. For example, in 2024, businesses in North America and Europe invested an average of 9.1% of their revenue into marketing—though your ideal budget will depend on your growth goals.
Starting a property maintenance business doesn’t require a massive upfront investment, but smart budgeting is critical. By understanding these cost categories early, you’ll be better prepared to build a sustainable operation and confidently navigate how to start a property maintenance company from day one.
Register process for your maintenance business
First, you will need to decide on the business structure of your company. You can choose to be a sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation. Each type of business has its own advantages and disadvantages. Once you have chosen the business structure, you will need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits from the government. You will also need to open a business bank account and get insurance for your company.
Next, you will need to create a business plan. This document will outline your company’s goals, strategies, and how you plan on achieving them. The business plan should also include a marketing strategy. This is how you will let potential customers know about your company and what services you offer.
Once you have everything in place, you can start marketing your company and looking for customers. You can use various marketing channels such as online advertising, print ads, or even word-of-mouth.
It is important to always provide excellent customer service. This will ensure that your customers are happy and will continue to use your services. If you provide good value for their money, they will also be more likely to refer you to their friends and family.
Building a successful maintenance business takes time and effort. However, if you are organized and have a good business plan, it is definitely achievable. Just make sure to always put your customers first and deliver quality services.
Get the necessary permits and licenses
A property maintenance company requires a business license, as well as any additional permits and licenses that may be required by the state or local municipality. The business owner should check with their state’s Department of Business Regulation to determine what is required. In addition, the company will need insurance coverage for its employees and any vehicles used in the course of business. Finally, the company will need to have a solid business plan in place detailing how it plans to generate revenue and profit. With these key components in place, a property maintenance company can be up and running quickly and efficiently.
Employer identification number
You will need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS in order to hire staff for your company.
You can apply for an EIN online, by mail, or by fax.
Open a business bank account
Opening a business bank account is a key step in starting any business, but it’s especially important for businesses that will be dealing with large amounts of cash, such as maintenance businesses. A business bank account can help you track your expenses and income, which is essential for tax purposes. It can also help you build business credit and establish a relationship with a financial institution that can provide funding for your business in the future. You’ll need to provide your business name, address, contact information, and tax identification number when you open the account. Sole proprietorships and partnerships can use their personal Social Security number as a tax ID.
While choosing a bank account for your own business, you should also decide how you will accept payments. You can use field complete property maintenance software for accepting your payments on site. This will save you time and money as you don’t have to go to the bank to deposit checks.
How to Choose the Right Business Structure for Your Company
When deciding how to start a property maintenance company, choosing the right legal structure is one of the first and most important steps. The most common options for a property maintenance business are corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs). While some entrepreneurs consider operating as a sole proprietor when starting a maintenance company, this structure is usually not recommended because it offers no personal asset protection and limits your ability to hire employees.
Corporation
Corporations typically fall into two categories: C corporations and S corporations. Both can be a good fit for property managers who plan to attract investors or eventually scale into a larger company.
Liability protection:
Both C corps and S corps keep personal and business assets separate, helping protect your personal finances if the company faces legal action.
Taxation:
A C corporation is subject to double taxation—once at the corporate level and again when profits are distributed to shareholders. An S corporation, on the other hand, passes profits through to owners, so income is taxed only once.
Ownership and management:
C corporations can have an unlimited number of shareholders, while S corporations are limited to 100 owners. Both structures require a board of directors.
Cost and complexity:
Corporations involve higher setup costs, stricter reporting rules, and more detailed recordkeeping compared to other business structures.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
An LLC is one of the most popular and practical options for a property maintenance business, especially for small and mid-sized operations.
Liability protection:
Like corporations, LLCs separate personal and business liability, protecting owners’ personal assets.Tax flexibility:
LLCs offer flexible tax treatment and can be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation—an advantage many business owners value.Ownership structure:
There is no limit to the number of members an LLC can have.Cost and administration:
LLCs are typically more affordable to form and easier to manage, with fewer reporting and compliance requirements than corporations.
Once you’ve chosen the structure that best fits your goals, you can move forward with business formation services that help handle paperwork, obtain an EIN, establish your online presence, and ensure everything is filed correctly – putting you on the path to building a successful property management company.
How to fund your own property maintenance business
You will need some start-up capital to get your property maintenance business off the ground. You can either save up the money yourself or apply for a loan from a bank. The amount of money you will need will depend on the size and scope of your business.
To start a small property maintenance business, you will need around $5,000. This will cover the cost of tools, equipment, and marketing. If you are starting a larger business, you will need more money to cover the costs of hiring staff and renting office space.
Purchasing your first piece of equipment
If you’re starting a maintenance business, there are some key pieces of equipment you’ll need to get started.
First, you’ll need a truck or van to transport your equipment and supplies. You’ll also need ladders, tools, and other equipment necessary for the type of maintenance work you’ll be doing.
Insurance for your property maintenance business
Another important consideration when starting a maintenance business is insurance. You’ll need to make sure you have the right insurance in place to protect your business from any potential risks.
You should speak with an insurance agent to determine the type of coverage you need for your business.
Getting the word out about your property maintenance business
Once you have your equipment and insurance in place, you’ll need to start marketing your business. There are a number of ways to market a property maintenance business, including online and offline methods.
Some offline marketing methods include distributing flyers and door hangers in neighborhoods where you’d like to work. You can also offer discounts or special promotions to attract new customers.
Choose a brand name
Your brand is how your customers will perceive you, so it’s important to choose a name that reflects the image you want to project.
You’ll also need to make sure the name you choose is available as a domain name (for your website) and as a business name with your state’s Secretary of State office.
Make the website
While you can start taking customers without a website, it’s important to have one as soon as possible so you can start building your brand online.
You can create a simple website yourself using a platform like WordPress, or you can hire a web designer to create something more sophisticated.
Hire staff for your property maintenance company
A successful property maintenance business consists of a team of professionals who can provide quality services to customers. When hiring staff, be sure to look for individuals who have experience in the field and who are knowledgeable about the latest trends in maintenance.
It’s also important to find employees who are reliable and trustworthy, as they will be working in people’s homes and businesses.
Perform background checks on all potential employees and make sure to verify references.
It’s also a good idea to have new hires sign a contract that outlines your expectations for their job performance.
Determine how many employees you need
The number of employees you need will depend on the size and scope of your business. A small business may only need two or three employees, while a larger operation may need ten or more.
Be sure to consider how much work you can realistically handle and how much you can afford to pay in wages.
Offer employee benefits
In order to attract and retain good employees, it’s important to offer competitive wages and benefits. Some benefits you may want to offer include health insurance paid vacation, and 401(k) plans.
If you can’t afford to offer all of these benefits, try to at least offer some type of health insurance plan. This will help you attract and retain quality employees.
Develop systems and procedures
In order to run a successful property maintenance business, you’ll need to develop systems and procedures for how things are done. This will help ensure that your employees are providing quality services and that work is being completed in a timely manner.
Some things you’ll need to develop procedures for include scheduling appointments, handling customer inquiries, and performing maintenance tasks.
Get a skilled manager for your projects
A skilled project manager is essential for any size property maintenance business. He or she will be responsible for coordinating the work of the staff, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget, and keeping customers updated on the status of their projects. He should also have a strong understanding of how to market the business and generate new leads.
Advertise your vacancies
There are a few key ways to get the word out about your maintenance business and to hire the best staff. Start by advertising your vacancies online and in local newspapers or job boards. You can also post flyers in public places or hand out business cards to people you meet. Make sure to list all of the requirements for the position and what the ideal candidate would be like.
Another great way to find qualified candidates is to ask for referrals from people you know and trust. If someone you know has a background in maintenance or running a business, they may be able to recommend someone who would be perfect for the job. You can also look for candidates through online job postings and websites like Indeed or LinkedIn. Once you’ve found a few candidates, take the time to interview them and see if they’re a good fit for your company.
By taking the time to hire the right staff, you’ll be setting your maintenance business up for success.
Market your business
Starting a maintenance business can be a great way to become your own boss and earn a good income. However, as with any business, there is a lot of work involved in getting started. The first step is to market your business. You will need to create a brand that potential customers can trust and feel confident using. This can be done by creating a strong online presence and developing marketing materials that highlight the benefits of your services.
In addition to marketing, you will also need to develop a business plan. This should include an overview of your business goals, how you intend to achieve them, and what expenses you anticipate incurring along the way. Maintenance businesses require significant start-up costs, so it is important to have a clear understanding of your financial needs before getting started.
Once you have a plan in place, the next step is to find customers. This can be done by networking with other businesses in your industry, or by advertising your services online or in local publications. You may also want to offer discounts or special promotions to attract new customers.
By taking the time to develop a strong business foundation, you will be well on your way to success as a maintenance business owner.
Use local SEO
As a maintenance business, one of the best ways to market your services is through local SEO. This involves optimizing your website and online content for relevant keywords related to your business. For example, if you are a plumbing company in Los Angeles, you would want to optimize your site for keywords such as “plumbing Los Angeles” or “Los Angeles plumbing.” By doing this, you will make it easier for potential customers to find you when they search for these terms online.
In addition to optimizing your website, you should also create profiles on popular directories and review sites. This will give you another platform to promote your business and attract new customers. Be sure to include accurate contact information and customer reviews on these profiles to give potential customers the most accurate picture of your business.
By taking advantage of local SEO, you can significantly increase your chances of success as a maintenance business.
Develop a social media presence
In today’s digital world, it is essential for businesses to have a strong social media presence. This is especially true for maintenance businesses, as potential customers are likely to search for these services online. As such, you should create profiles on popular social media sites and regularly post content that showcases your business. You should also make it easy for customers to contact you by including your contact information on your social media profiles.
In addition to creating a social media presence, you should also consider creating a blog. This can be a great way to share information about your business and attract new customers. Be sure to include keyword-rich content that is relevant to your business, as this will help you attract more visitors from search engines.
By taking advantage of social media and blogging, you can reach a wider audience of potential customers and significantly grow your maintenance business.
Consider using field service management software
There are a number of software programs available that can help you manage your property maintenance business. These programs can be used to schedule appointments, track invoices, and keep track of customer information.
By using field service management software, you can free up your time to focus on other aspects of running your business.
Create a free Field Complete account for on-site estimates, invoicing, dispatching, and payments. Automate your Property Maintenance with GPS-powered scheduling, automatic customer notifications, and online payments.
Get started today and see how Field Complete can help you grow your business!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of starting a property maintenance business?
Like any service-based venture, a property maintenance business comes with risks, including misjudging market demand, underestimating startup costs, hiring too early or too late, and failing to comply with licensing or regulatory requirements. Working with property owners, tenants, and contractors also increases the potential for legal or financial disputes.
How long does it take to start a property maintenance company?
The process of starting a maintenance company usually takes one to six months, depending on licensing requirements, whether you need office space, and how quickly you hire staff.
What insurance does a property maintenance business need?
At a minimum, you should have general liability insurance, errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, and cyber insurance. If you hire employees, workers’ compensation insurance is required. Businesses with a physical office may also need commercial property insurance.
How do I set pricing for a property maintenance company?
Most property maintenance companies charge either a flat monthly fee or a percentage of service costs. Additional fees may apply for specialized services, emergency repairs, or long-term maintenance contracts.
